Fauci Downplays Differences With President Trump

The transcript discusses Dr. Anthony Fauci's interactions with President Trump regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci, who recently returned to work after vocal cord surgery, addressed his relationship with Trump, stating that the president trusts him. Despite this, Fauci pushed back against Trump's claims about the COVID-19 death toll, which were based on a conspiracy theory. Trump, in turn, expressed his disagreements with Fauci, noting that he 'inherited' him.

What did Fauci mean by saying it is a distraction to pit him against Trump?

What conspiracy theory did Fauci reject during the interview?